Obama triumphed on Super Tuesday, winning all the important states, save for California.

Obama came out the winner in states and delegates after Super Tuesday, though the Kerry campaign touted their impressive comeback, but the momentum was with Obama's campaign and as February dragged on, the Obama campaign cemented their frontrunner statuses with wins in Louisiana, Nebraska, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington.

Delegates:

Obama: 1,064

Kerry: 953

As Obama crossed the threshold of 1000 delegates the media turned their focus to the all but certain prospect that Obama would be the Democratic Nominee. Kerry rebounded later in February with a win in the Maine caucuses, but Obama continued to plow on with win after win.

Delegates:

Obama: 1,195

Kerry: 1,073

March 4th, the "Second Super Tuesday" proved to be a day of the battlegrounds between Obama and Kerry.The focus remained on Ohio and Texas. Kerry was seen to need to win both.

Kerry easily took Rhode Island, while Obama took Vermont, but the focus remained on Ohio and Texas. Finally after a night of back and forth Kerry was declared the winner in Ohio, but ended up losing both the primary and caucus in Texas.

The remainder of March produced two more Obama victories in Mississippi and Wyoming, adding even more delegates to the candidate's totals.

Delegates:

Obama: 1,411

Kerry: 1,272

"The problem for the President is that he is running out of states and delegates." -- John King.

"Aside from that he's lost the party. Barack Obama represent a new dawn for the Democratic Party, particularly those in the liberal base. He's going to be the nominee and I predict Kerry'll drop out and concede to Obama." -- Roland Martin.

The focus fell to the Pennsylvania primary where it was deemed that Kerry had a last chance to have a comeback.

A sign of the times. A rally for Kerry in Philadelphia.

Results: Pennsylvania

Obama: 58.59%

Kerry: 40.41%

Delegates:

Obama: 1,500

Kerry: 1,341

Obama claimed victory and the Kerry campaign went into lockdown. The following week Obama carried the caucuses in Guam and focused his energies on Indiana and North Carolina. Kerry seemed to withdraw from campaigning following his defeat in Pennsylvania, but instead of dropping out, the Kerry campaign's statement became, "The President is focused on governing and will be awaiting the returns on May 6th."

"We knew, at that moment we had won." -- David Axelrod.

Obama cruised to an overwhelming victory in North Carolina and trounced Kerry in Indiana. That night from a press conference in the White House, John Kerry, the incumbent President conceded the nomination to his Democratic challenger Barack Obama.

"The time has come for unity. We as a party cannot allow the failed policies of the past to be brought back onto the national stage. Therefore I am stepping aside and probably endorsing the man who will be the next President of the United States, Barack Obama." -- Pres. John Kerry.

"Kerry should have quit. He should have stepped aside after Pennsylvania or pulled a Lyndon Johnson. He lost the party and he hurt himself and the party in the process by engaging in a primary process where the deck was stacked against him." -- Rachel Maddow.

"It was question of the past or a question of history. The choice of history won, and rightfully so." -- Chris Matthews.

Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic Nominee.

Kerry Concedes, Obama's the nominee

"I congratulate Sen. Obama on his victory and look forward to the campaign in the fall." -- Former Pres. George W. Bush

In mid May, in a surprise announcement George Bush announced his pick of Elizabeth Dole as his choice for Vice President. With Kerry officially out of the race, Bush took charge of the race and began to run as if he were the incumbent President.

The Pick: Elizabeth Dole

The Republican Ticket: Bush/Dole

"I would be honored to serve beside the man who will be our next President, George W. Bush... He won the popular vote by three million over the President. That is hardly a rejection of a President. Take a look at the Democratic Party. The incumbent President couldn't even win a nomination battle. The Democrats have had their time in the spotlight again and proven that they're just not ready for primetime. Let's send George Bush back to the White House in November!"

"The Bush/Dole ticket clearly represents the past, whereas Barack Obama is the future for America." -- David Axelrod.

In early polls Bush continued to lead Obama by as much as ten points. The freshmen senator who had shocked the political establishment by winning the nomination, now needed to find a seasoned pick for Vice President who would help offset the charges of him being inexperienced.

At the same time, Ron Paul, Republican challenger in the primary began stirring the pot of speculation that he might be forging a third party bid. On CNN's Larry King, former Governor of Minnesota Jesse Ventura applauded the idea of a Paul bid.

"I hope he runs! We can't afford to have George Bush back in the White House and I don't know enough about Barack Obama to make a sound judgement of whether or not he'd be a good President."

Ron Paul on Nightline, deals with the question of running as a third party..

"I never deal in absolutes, but who knows what will happen?"

When asked if he would seek the Libertarian Nomination, Paul replied, "I am not actively seeking it." The idea of a Paul third party ticket caused many Republicans to panic. His presence would split the Republican vote and give the election to Obama. However, other believed that Obama and Paul would effectively split the youth vote, allowing for a Bush win. A poll was conducted with Paul in the race, showed an essential dead heat between Bush and Obama.

2008 Poll:

Obama: 45%

Bush: 45%

Paul: 10%

A group of Paul supporters outside the Sheraton Hotel in Denver, Colorado at the start of the Libertarian Convention.

Paul on the trail. "We are dangerous to the status quo, and we're a threat because we stand for liberty and freedom, not falsities."

"Paul presented a unique dynamic, he attacked both major candidates and presented a difficult balance for Bush who wanted to focus on Obama, while also keep his party intact, and Obama who needed to focus his energy squarely on Bush." -- David Gergen, CNN.

"People underestimated Paul and the following he had amassed in the primary. He had a base of support, the question remained how big and how motivated." -- Chuck Todd, MSNBC

Battleground State: Polls

Ohio:Obama: 45%Bush: 45%Paul: 10%

Florida:Bush: 47%Obama: 44%Paul: 8%

New Hampshire:Bush: 38%Obama: 37%Paul: 21%

Iowa: Obama: 45%Bush: 41%Paul: 12%

New Mexico: Obama: 43%Bush: 43%Paul: 10%

Colorado:Obama: 45%Bush: 45%Paul: 7%

Vermont: Obama: 50%Bush 29%Paul: 14%

Washington: Obama: 39%Bush: 35%Paul: 18%

Maine:Obama: 44%Bush: 37%Paul: 15%

Minnesota: Obama: 48%Bush: 39%Paul: 7%

Michigan: Bush: 45%Obama: 44%Paul: 8%

Pennsylvania: Obama: 44%Bush: 41%Paul: 8%

Wisconsin: Obama: 47%Bush: 44%Paul: 9%

Is Barack Obama ready to be President?

Yes: 43%No: 53%

Is Ron Paul too old to be President?

Yes: 58%

No: 37%

Has your opinion changed of George Bush since he left office?

For the better: 49%For the worse: 21%No change: 27%

Pres. Kerry Approval Rating:

Approve: 35%

Disapprove: 56%

Is America better off than it was four years ago?

Yes: 33%No: 62%

How do you trust on the economy? (Bush or Obama)

Bush: 52%

Obama: 44%

How do you trust on national security? (Bush or Obama)

Bush: 57%

Obama: 38%

As spring turned to summer and the conventions neared, Barack Obama prepared the announcement of his Vice Presidential pick. His shortlist included:

Bush/Dole? Haha, using two of the most overused names on Republican tickets in the last fifty years. Thing is, those two names were either on the ticket or running for the ticket from '76 to 2004, and in 1980, 1988, and 2000, you had both a Dole and a Bush running against each other for the nomination.

Bush/Dole? Haha, using two of the most overused names on Republican tickets in the last fifty years. Thing is, those two names were either on the ticket or running for the ticket from '76 to 2004, and in 1980, 1988, and 2000, you had both a Dole and a Bush running against each other for the nomination.

"My fellow citizens I proudly accept your nomination for President...We've seen an erosion of our confidence these last four years. The policies pursued have stagnated our economy and weakened our resolve abroad...I would not have sought this office again, if I did not have a deep love for this country and belief that we can do better. The last four years are not America's destiny. A small detour and we'll right in November! I ask you one more time to stand with me. Stand with me for our children. Stand with me for our men and women in uniform. Stand with me for the businessmen and women. The workers, the families. Stand with me for America's future, and together let us begin anew!"

Going out of the Republican Bush saw an uptick in the polls and led Obama, but the question still lingered over how much damage Paul's campaign would cost him.

"We didn't want him in the debates. We didn't want his presence." -- Karl Rove. Excerpt from his memoir, "Courage and Conviction."

"Going out of that convention it seemed like they had a renomination of Bush. It's as if he was already President." -- David Gregory, Meet The Press.

Bush v. Obama v. Paul:

Bush: 47%

Obama: 39%

Paul: 12%

"The challenge that faces the GOP is the history factor. They are running against the first African American who has a shot at winning the White House, and out of guilt, our of a desire to start anew, out of history, people might vote for this guy." -- Chris Matthews

Following the Republican's convention, Obama announced the pick of his running mate: Wesley Clark.[/i]

Clark accepts the VP nomination.

"Now is not the time to retreat, it is the time to move forward!"

"The Republicans are running the same man, on the same platform, on the same ideas, on the same failed policies. Do we want to return to that? No. In America progress is never made by standing still. We move forward, that is the history of progress in the United States of America, and as President with your help I will help lead that charge."

"I don't honestly see a way that former President Bush has a leg to stand on. He supports increasing the wars, he's talked about bombing Iran, and wants to continue the same fiscal policies that have brought our economy to the state it's at. Then we have Barack Obama. He's a nice guy, but he doesn't have a plan to end the wars or return us to a sound monetary policy. Both men's policies want to grow the size of government and damage and remove our civil liberties! We're a threat, but not a dangerous one to the country, but to the establishment and to the status quo, because we represent real change, real hope and a fresh start!"

"No one took Paul seriously enough, but his support was real and untamed." -- Brit Hume

"Obama had the side of history, Bush had the side of the past, and Paul in many ways represented the future." -- Rachel Maddow.

The 2008 Election moved into the final phase: The Fall Campaign. With Obama and Bush tied in the polls both campaigns looked for a way to break ahead of the other. However, forces beyond their control went into effect on September 15th.

Nightmare on Wall Street.

The onset of the recession and financial crisis reshaped the race in ways no one could imagine. You had Kerry who was the President was preparing to unveil a series of bailouts. Obama's experience came into question. Bush was given some blame for the onset, and there you had Ron Paul who had been preaching this coming economic catastrophe from the start and he stood there not smug, but determined and ready." -- John Tate, Paul Campaign Manager.

"This is not a time to panic. Now is the time for cooler heads to prevail and for us to move forward in unison. Democrats and Republicans alike."

Obama's line, "This is not a time to panic." was seized on by the Bush campaign and they transformed it into a series of ads that played on Obama's lack of experience and questioned his ability to handle a crisis as President. As a result Obama saw a downturn in the polls, and Bush moved ahead, trumpeting, "We'll come through this crisis, so help me God!"

Bush v. Obama v. Paul

Bush: 47%

Obama: 39%

Paul: 12%

"This race is moving in Bush's favor because of his experience and readiness to do the job." -- Karl Rove on Hannity and Colmes.

Excerpts from the Presidential Debates:

"We've allowed for too much deregulation, policies started by President Bush during his tenure, allowed for the fat cats on Wall Street to run wild and bring this economy down. It's time to have a partnership between business and government when it comes to the economy." -- Barack Obama.

"Senator Obama, we can both agree that there needs to be accountability on Wall Street, but it has been Democrat policies that have led to the situation we're currently in." -- George W. Bush.

"This is the problem with this country today. Both parties have been allowed to dominate the issues, and yet they ultimately become one in the same. Democrats want more spending, so do Republicans. There's no difference. The fact is this whole problem we're in could be solved by auditing the Federal Reserve, having a sound currency and adhering to the Constitution of the United States! It tells us what we can and what we cannot do." -- Ron Paul

Going into Election day the polls showed a dead heat between Bush and Obama, with the wildcard being Paul, and how much of a spoiler he would play with both party's chances. The campaigns headed into Election day, unprepared for what was to come.

Bush v. Obama v. Paul:

Bush: 44%

Obama: 44%

Paul: 11%

Election Night:

Obama/Clark:

Bush/Dole:

Paul/Barr:

"Welcome to Election Night and what a night this will be. A three man race between Barack Obama, the Democrat, George W. Bush, the Republican and Ron Paul the Libertarian. Bush looking to pull a Grover Cleveland and win the White House again after loosing the popular vote in his reelection in 2004. For Barack Obama this night is about history. Will he break through the racial barriers and become this nations' first African American President? And Ron Paul, the third party candidate. He's polling last in the polls, but his effect on this race is divided. Will he draw more votes from Democrats or Republicans?"

"And we have our first projection of the evening. Senator Barack Obama will carry the Democratic stronghold of Vermont.

Obama: 49.8%

Paul: 25.7%

Bush: 23.4%

Certainly the takeaway of this state is that Ron Paul is finishing second, ahead of Bush. Now this is still early and the numbers could change, but Paul at this point finishes second to Obama in Vermont, perhaps a sign of things to come?

Obama/Clark: 3

Bush/Dole: 0

Paul/Barr: 0

At this point we cannot make a projection in South Carolina. Should we make anything of this? Certainly this is troubling?"

"Bush is only ahead by three in South Carolina. It is early, but in a traditional Republican state he should be farther ahead, and the exit polls show a tighter race."

"Well Republicans can breathe a sigh of relief. Bush is the winner in Kentucky."

"The polls have just closed in West Virginia and we cannot project a winner at this time. It is Bush with a narrow lead, but Obama is close."

"So what is this night? What are we going to say at this time tomorrow?"

"It's too early to make that judgement. Obama could win, he seems poised to do so, but Bush could very well pull the Cleveland strategy. You'll notice in the final days he has been playing ads linking Obama and Kerry; trying very much to create the perception that they are responsible entirely for the economic crisis."

States too close to call:IndianaNorth CarolinaOhioGeorgiaVirginiaSouth CarolinaWest Virginia

"Since we are still waiting for numbers, how would night be if Kerry were the Democratic nominee? He's sitting now on a 37 percent approval rating."

"I would say we'd still be in the same place. We forget but Bush is still seen as a polarizing figure in American politics."

"We can at this time project that George Bush has won Indiana, albeit narrowly."

"You know when Republicans can barley hold Indiana, there is a problem."

Bush: 49.0%

Obama: 40.5%

Paul: 9.5%

Bush/Dole: 19

Obama/Clark: 3

Paul/Barr: 0

8:00

"It is eight o'clock on the east coast and we have a series of projections to make at this time."

:For Pres-- Sen. Barack Obama, we project the states of: Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois and the District of Columbia."

Obama: 50.0%

Bush: 39.6%

Paul: 9.0%

Obama: 50.4%

Bush: 39.2%

Paul: 9.0%

Obama: 52.4%

Bush: 37.2%

Paul: 9.4%

Obama: 50.4%

Bush: 39.2%

Paul: 9.0%

Obama: 54.4%

Bush: 35.0%

Paul: 9.6%

Obama: 70.4%

Bush: 18.4%

Paul: 10.2%

"For Mr. Bush, tonight we project the state of Oklahoma, another GOP favorite."

"Though it looks like Paul did some effect with Bush's numbers in the state. He won the state with over sixty percent four years ago and tonight is barely over fifty."

Bush: 51.1%

Obama: 36.0%

Paul: 12.9%

"We can also project that the former President has won Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, so it looks like Ron Paul is not causing too much damage for the Republican ticket in traditional Republican states."

"The real question will be in the battlegrounds like Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida."

"We can now project that Bush has won West Virginia. West Virginia goes for Bush."

Bush: 48.1%

Obama: 42.0%

Paul: 8.9%

Obama/Clark: 59

Bush/Dole: 57

Paul/Barr: 0

"The two are neck and neck in the electoral vote, but a bunch of states still remain undecided, all of them, save for Pennsylvania, Maine and New Hampshire were carried by Mr. Bush."

"In Maine it is Obama with a lead, followed by and Paul in a distant third. New Hampshire it is quite the opposite. Bush has a narrow lead, followed by Obama and Paul."

New Hampshire:

Bush: 44.9%

Obama: 38.8%

Paul: 15.3%

"Save for Vermont, Paul has yet to crack the twenty percent mark, which illustrates either his support has been overestimated, or Vermont was a fluke state, because surely he should be doing better in New Hampshire."

"Well looking at the numbers in Vermont as we speak, it appears that Bush will finish second, with twenty-six percent of the vote and Paul with twenty-two percent."

"Looking at Ohio, the battleground state that decided the election for Kerry in 2004, is an essential tie tonight between Bush and Obama."

Ohio:

Obama: 47.0%

Bush: 46.6%

Paul: 5.4%

"We can now project that Obama wins Maine. The state of Maine has gone for Barack Obama."

"We are back tonight, with another projection in the Presidential race. The state of South Carolina has gone for Mr Bush.

Bush: 47.0%

Obama: 42.4%

Paul: 9.6%

Bush/Dole: 65

Obama/Clark: 63

Paul/Barr:

"Bush now takes a small lead in the electoral vote, but still many states remain undecided."

"Bush needs Virginia and North Carolina at least. Florida looks pretty solid, but the previous two mentioned are critical to Bush if he has any chance to win the White House again."

"We have another projection to make: Bush will carry the state of Georgia."

"We should note that this is the home state of Ron Paul's running mate Bob Barr, but his presence on the ticket was not enough to swing the Republican stronghold in either direction."

Bush: 46.5%

Obama: 43.1%

Paul: 9.4%

Bush/Dole: 80

Obama/Clark: 63

Paul/Barr: 0

9:00

"It is nine o'clock here on the east coast and we have move projections to make: We can project that Senator Obama has won the state of Rhode Island, Minnesota, the state that hosted the Republican Convention, New York and New Jersey."

Obama: 51.9%

Bush: 37.4%

Paul: 9.7%

Obama: 50.9%

Bush: 34.2%

Paul: 13.9%

Obama: 52.8%

Bush: 36.6%

Paul: 9.6%

Obama: 51.9%

Bush: 37.4%

Paul: 9.7%

"For Bush we can project the state of Louisiana, the state of Texas, his home state and that of Ron Paul, Kansas and Nebraska, but we are only awarding him four of the five delegates at this time."

Bush: 51.0%

Obama: 38.5%

Paul: 9.5%

Bush: 52.5%

Obama: 32.8%

Paul: 13.7%

Bush: 50.5%

Obama: 39.1%

Paul: 9.4%

Bush: 49.5%

Obama: 38.1%

Paul: 11.4%

Bush/Dole: 133

Obama/Clark: 123

Paul/Clark: 0

"As we look to Colorado, the Dakotas, New Mexico and Arizona, we'll be able to see where Paul's real strength lies and if his presence is able to flip one of these states into the Obama' column tonight."

"You know thing we haven't discussed tonight is the Reverend Wright story and it's effect on the election."

"The Bush campaign did make an issue of it when it first broke back after the Convention, but it did seem to go away. The argument the Bush campaign has been pushing is can Obama be trusted. Is he ready."

"Hold that thought, two more projections for the Presidency: Arkansas and Missouri have finally gone for Bush tonight."

Bush: 46.5%

Obama: 45.1%

Paul: 7.4%

Bush: 48.5%

Obama: 41.1%

Paul: 9.4%

Bush/Dole: 150

Obama/Clark: 123

Paul/Clark: 0

"The Bush campaign can breathe a sign of relief tonight, especially with Missouri, though it was close. 46 to 45."

"The states we are watching now are Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Colorado and New Mexico. These states hold the key to who will win the White House."

"We can now project that Sen. Obama has won the state of Pennsylvania."

Obama: 45.8%

Bush: 43.6%

Paul: 9.6%

Bush/Dole: 150

Obama/Clark: 144

Paul/Barr: 0

"That's a big one to fall tonight."

"Indeed, but I don't think it's enough to hurt the Bush campaign. You remember Republican have relentlessly tried to recapture Pennsylvania, after Bill Clinton won it in 1992, and to no avail. The states to watch are the ones we discussed, especially Ohio, which now is essentially tied."

Ohio:

Obama: 45.8%

Bush: 45.2%

Paul/Barr: 8.0%

"It's like four years ago, all over again."

"This is the battleground. Whoever wins it tonight will be the next President of the United States."

"And at this time we are projecting the state of Florida for Bush."

Bush: 47.5%

Obama: 44.1%

Paul: 6.4%

"The Bush name is strong there, so it is no surprise that he carried it again."

"Let's now look at the states still in question."

New Hampshire:

Bush: 42.8%

Obama: 40.9%

Paul: 15.3%

Virginia:

Bush: 46.8%

Obama: 42.4%

Paul: 9.8%

North Carolina:

Bush: 47.8%

Obama: 41.4%

Paul: 8.8%

Colorado:

Bush: 46.1%

Obama: 45.9%

Paul: 7.0%

Michigan:

Bush: 47.6%

Obama: 46.7%

Paul: 5.1%

"Obama looks poised to take Colorado, as it looks like we're seeing where Paul can cause some damage to the GOP."

"We can now project that Wisconsin will go for Obama. Repeat, Obama will win Wisconsin."

"We project that Barack Obama has won the second congressional district in Nebraska."

Obama: 43.7%

Bush: 43.0%

Paul: 12.3%

"Certainly, no one saw that coming."

"I think as these western states continue to fall, we're going to see the impact of Paul's presence on the ballot. Especially in Colorado, Montana, Nevada and North Dakota."

"And it is apparent now that we can project Bush the winner in Arizona."

"I thought Obama might take it tonight."

Bush: 45.6%

Obama: 43.9%

Paul: 9.5%

"The three states I'm watching now are Ohio, Michigan and Colorado. The direction they go will be critical in who becomes the next President of the United States."

"Hold that thought, because we have a major projection to make. The AP is calling Ohio, other networks are calling for Ohio and based on our data we feel comfortable with the projection. We are now projecting that Barack Obama will win the state of Ohio."

"It's over."

Obama: 46.5%

Bush: 45.7%

Paul: 6.8%

Bush/Dole: 227

Obama/Clark: 187

Paul/Barr: 0

11:00

"And we now project the state of California and Hawaii for Obama."

Obama: 51.5%

Bush: 33.7%

Paul: 13.8%

Obama: 57.5%

Bush: 34.7%

Paul: 6.8%

Obama/Clark: 246

Bush/Dole: 227

Paul/Barr: 0

"Obama holds a small lead in the electoral vote, but states are still undecided. Namely, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Nevada and Michigan."

"The race is tightening in Colorado. I thought it might go for Obama, but it appears Bush is not giving up without a fight. Now with ninety three percent of the vote counted."

Colorado:

Obama: 45.5%

Bush: 45.2%

Paul: 8.3%

Nevada:

Bush: 43.7%

Obama: 42.1%

Paul: 13.2%

Idaho:

Bush: 38.0%

Paul: 30.8%

Obama 29.5%

"Quite an impressive margin for Paul in Idaho."

"Indeed, but we are projecting that state and the state of South Dakota for Bush."

Bush: 38.0%

Obama: 30.8%

Paul: 29.5%

Bush: 44.6%

Obama: 39.9%

Paul: 14.5%

Obama/Clark: 246

Bush/Dole: 234

Paul/Barr: 0

"We can now make another major projection. The state of Montana has been won by Barack Obama."

Obama: 44.5%

Bush: 43.9%

Paul: 10.6%

"And we can we call North Dakota for Bush. It was a tossup, but Bush wins it again tonight."

Bush: 39.6%

Obama: 35.9%

Paul: 23.5%

Obama/Clark: 249

Bush/Dole: 237

Paul/Barr: 0

"We can now project that Nevada will once again go for George W. Bush."

Bush: 44.0%

Obama: 42.9%

Paul: 12.9%

Obama/Clark: 249

Bush/Dole: 242

Paul/Barr: 0

12:25

"And so goes Oregon, for Barack Obama."

"That now puts him three delegates shy of becoming President-Elect of the United States."

"All the focus remains on Colorado and Michigan where the two candidates are essentially tied, with almost all of the vote counted."